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United Arab Emirates Vacations, Luxury Hotels and Resorts
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 In this section you will find the very best of the best United Arab Emirates Luxury hotels and United Arab Emirates hotels and resorts. Wonderful all-inclusive United Arab Emirates luxury tours. Exhilerating United Arab Emirates active vacations and United Arab Emirates skiing vacations in exotic places seldom seen by the average tourist.United Arab Emirates's finest villas. United Arab Emirates Yachting Vacations. United Arab Emirates luxury cruise vacations. Luxurious guided tours to all of United Arab Emirates's most famous destinations. ---plus tons of enjoyable virtual tours and streaming videos---You will find everything here except the sunscreen.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven independent emirates, each with its own ruler. The federal government exists as a constitutional republic, headed by a president and council of ministers. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. The UAE is a modern, developed country, and tourist facilities are widely available. The capital is Abu Dhabi.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. In addition, an AIDS test is required for work or residence permits; testing must be performed after arrival. A U.S. AIDS test is not accepted. For further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Suite 700, 1255 22nd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 955-7999.
SAFETY/SECURITY: Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of the UAE, but not necessarily in outlying areas. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Passers-by are in general very willing to assist in road accidents, but they can be very unprofessional in medical emergencies requiring first-aid treatment. Mobile phones are widely used throughout the UAE, so passers-by usually request emergency police and medical services quickly. Response time by emergency services is adequate. However, medical personnel emphasize transport of the injured to the hospital rather than treatment on site. Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in the UAE. Unsafe driving practices are common, especially on inter-city highways. On highways, wandering camels, unmarked speed bumps and drifting sand create additional hazards.
Country-wide traffic laws impose stringent penalties for certain violations, particularly driving under the influence of alcohol. Penalties may include hefty jail sentences and fines, and, for Muslims, lashings. Persons involved in an accident in which another party is injured automatically go to jail until the injured person is released from the hospital. Should a person die in a traffic accident, the driver of the other car is liable for payment of compensation for the death (known as "dhiyya"), usually the equivalent of $41,000 (US). Even relatively minor accidents may result in lengthy proceedings, during which both drivers may be prohibited from leaving the country.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers between the United States and the UAE, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the UAE's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of the UAE's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. As a result of the August 23, 2000 crash of a Gulf Air flight in the Persian Gulf, DOD has recommended that military commands use air carriers other than Gulf Air for DOD official travel, at least until investigation of the crash is complete. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: UAE customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from UAE of items such as firearms, including fireworks, pornographic materials, medications, religious materials and communication equipment. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of UAE in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements. UAE customs authorities also impose additional requirements for the importation of pets into the country. Prior permission in the form of a permit from the UAE Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries must be secured before the pet's travel. To obtain the permit, the following items will need to be submitted to the UAE Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries at the following address: P.O. Box 213, Abu Dhabi, UAE, telephone 971-2-662-781 or 971-2-485-438. A) The pet's travel itinerary; B) Copies of veterinary health certificates, showing that the animal is free of disease and indicating all shots which have been given to the pet; C) The sex and color of the pet; and D) A completed import permit application form (available from the Ministry).
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: The penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal substances are strict in the UAE, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Legislation enacted in January 1996 imposes the death sentence for convicted drug traffickers. A variety of drugs normally taken under a doctor's supervision in the United States are classified as narcotics in the UAE. A doctor's prescription should be carried along with any medication that is brought into the country.
Drinking or possession of alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and could result in arrest and/or fines and imprisonment. Alcohol is served at bars in most major hotels. However, this alcoholic beverage service is for those persons who are staying at the hotel. Persons not staying at the hotel who come in to use the facility's bar technically are required to have their own personal liquor license. Liquor licenses are obtainable only by non-Muslim persons who possess UAE residency permits. Drinking and driving is considered a serious offense.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting the UAE are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai where they can obtain updated information on travel and security within the UAE. The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi is located on 11th St., also known as Al-Sudan St., P.O. Box 4009. The telephone number is (971) (2) 443-6691 and the Consular Section fax number is (971) (2) 443-5786. The after hours telephone is (971) (2) 443-4457. The Embassy Internet web site is http://www.usembabu.gov.ae. The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located on the 21st floor of the Dubai World Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343. The telephone number is (971) (4) 331-3115 and the Consular Section fax number is (971) (4) 331-6935. The workweek for both the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai is Saturday through Wednesday. |
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Phone: 1-415-446-5252 or 1-800-330-8820
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| Full Service United Arab Emirates Vacation Planner |
| Click here to start planning a great Middle East vacation, tour or cruise with our Virtuoso Travel Advisors. You may call us too, but we'd really appreciate it if you complete a vacation planner first so we can determine which destination specialist to introduce you to.Thank you very much! Call 1 800 330 8820 or 415 446 5252 to book your United Arab Emirates vacation. | |
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During this time of price volatility in the United Arab Emirates vacations, travel, tour and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until booked.
Disclaimer: We've worked hard to make all the United Arab Emirates vacations, cruise and travel packages information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.
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